1. Skip to navigation
  2. Skip to content
  3. Skip to sidebar

Air Force Commendation Medal

In 1958 the Air Force created its version of the Commendation Medal, the last of the United States military branches to authorize these medals of America. At first, it was only offered as military ribbons, but by1960, they added Air Force medals to complement and expand these awards.

Air Force Commendation medals are a mid-level military medals presented to service persons for acts of heroism and meritorious service. If the valorous action that earns the Air Force Commendation Medal is performed in direct contact with an enemy force, the Valor Device “V” may be worn on the decoration. The actions for which these US military medals and ribbons are awarded are considered to be of a lesser degree than those required to win the Bonze Star.

The Air Force Commendation Medal is worn below the Silver Life Saving Medal (which is no longer issued) and the Joint Service Commendation Medal, but above the Joint Services Achievement Medal in the general order of precedence which has been established for the proper display of all military insignia. Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters are used to denote additional awards of these Air Force ribbons.

The Air Force Commendation Medal can be worn as full size military medals, military mini medals, military ribbons, and lapel pins. They are generally available from commercial suppliers as traditional slide-on full-size medals, mini-medals and ribbons. In more recent times and the sleek new thin military medals, mini-medals and the ultra thin military ribbons have garnered a wide following with military personnel who have realized the importance of always looking their best to enhance their chances of advancement in their respective military services.